Yesterday, I spent two and a half hours with my dad, creating a memory that I know I will treasure forever. My day began with a long to-do list, the first task being to drop off some shirts for him. He was heading into town for errands, but my four-year-old son, Leo, was already strapped into his car seat, so I asked my dad to wait just ten minutes. When I finally arrived, he was patiently waiting outside.
We ventured into my grandparents’ house, where he showed me the remodeling progress and shared his plans for the upcoming rooms. He suggested we explore the attic, which sparked fond memories from my childhood. I recalled how my cousin, Alex, and I would spend hours rummaging through the various boxes and trunks filled with my grandmother’s eclectic collection. It was like a treasure hunt, often fueled by my grandmother’s love for auctions.
As Dad has been cleaning out the attic, the stairs have been removed. So, we climbed a ladder and squeezed through a small opening, just like old times. I managed to bring home a piece of floral cotton fabric, a packaged pillowcase, and a collection of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s writings. I left behind an antique Polaroid camera, a pristine Moses basket, and more treasures that my dad insisted I take.
After our attic adventure, Dad wanted to show us the improvements he had made to the pond on the property. We trekked through sticky red clay to see its new shape and where he envisioned a zip-line for the grandkids to dive into the water. As he pointed out the property corners, we wandered through the woods, crossing creeks and navigating dense underbrush. We paused to catch our breath, admired the landscape, and discovered remnants left behind by unknown travelers.
Occasionally, my to-do list popped into my head, but I quickly realized, “I have nothing better to do.” This moment was profound; I had plenty of tasks waiting for me, yet nothing compared to this shared experience with my dad and Leo.
For the first time in over two decades, I was walking through the woods with my father, trusting him to lead the way. I followed his guidance, just as he taught me when I was a child. I hope Leo always remembers that day spent exploring nature with his Papa, and I wish for him to value these moments as he grows older.
When my daughters are grown, I hope they, too, understand the importance of spending time with their father, recognizing that no task is more vital than making memories. It’s essential they learn the difference between “urgent” and “important,” and that being present for loved ones holds far more value than any checklist.
After our adventure, we visited my mother-in-law, and when I shared our day’s journey, she was moved to tears, reflecting on her own father’s absence. She understood the significance of the time we spent together.
I am immensely grateful for the two and a half hours I had with my dad and son—time that cannot be taken away. The day unfolded beautifully, reminding me that while our to-do lists may be long and never-ending, sometimes the most important thing is simply to be present and enjoy life’s moments.
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Summary: Spending an unplanned afternoon with my dad and son taught me the value of prioritizing time with loved ones over tasks. In a world filled with responsibilities, it’s essential to recognize that some moments are irreplaceable and should be cherished above all else.